Additional Coverage:
- Bar named in Cornell rape lawsuit disputes accuser’s account, says she was never served alcohol while underage (foxnews.com)
Moonies Bar & Nightclub, a popular Ithaca venue frequented by Cornell students, has formally denied allegations that it served alcohol to an underage woman on the night of a highly publicized sexual assault case. The bar, named in the lawsuit filed by the alleged victim, has now entered its denial into court records.
According to Moonies, during a private Tri Delta sorority event held on October 19, 2024, underage guests were clearly marked with an “X” on their hands, while those 21 and over received wristbands. The bar maintains that its bartenders strictly served alcohol only to guests with wristbands. Both the complaint and the bar agree that the plaintiff was marked as underage, but they dispute whether she was served alcohol.
The woman’s lawsuit claims that despite being marked as underage, she was served and consumed at least one alcoholic beverage at Moonies. In response, Moonies issued a statement to Fox News asserting, “No alcohol was served to anyone who had a mark on their hands,” calling the allegation “completely inaccurate.” The bar also noted that the plaintiff later worked for the company between February and March 2025 and never mentioned being served alcohol or intoxicated during that time.
In a court filing submitted to New York Supreme Court, Moonies, doing business as Zareen Enterprises LLC, denied unlawfully selling alcohol to anyone underage or visibly intoxicated. The bar requested the dismissal of the complaint against it, stating it complied with all applicable laws and regulations.
This dispute is a key piece in a broader controversy that has shaken Cornell University and drawn national attention. Thousands of students rallied on campus recently, and faculty senators are pushing for a no-confidence vote against university leadership regarding their handling of sexual assault allegations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed the state Attorney General’s Office as a special prosecutor, with an active criminal investigation underway.
The lawsuit involves multiple defendants, including seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity, who stand accused of sexual assault and rape. The alleged victim’s complaint details a series of events on the night in question, including drinking at the Tri Delta house, attendance at Moonies, and later arriving at the Chi Phi fraternity house visibly intoxicated. The suit alleges that the assault took place after she was given additional substances and became incapacitated.
The accused men have denied any wrongdoing, with some asserting the encounter was consensual. No criminal charges have yet been filed. The case first became public in September 2026, nearly two years after the alleged incident, and also names Cornell University, the fraternity, and the sorority in the suit, accusing them of failing to protect the plaintiff.
The lawsuit has reignited debate over the original criminal investigation. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has explained that his office did not pursue charges based on initial evidence suggesting the plaintiff’s participation in drug use and sexual activity was “voluntary, conscious, and consensual.” However, later police interview transcripts obtained by media showed the plaintiff describing being raped, a transcript the DA’s office says it never received.
As the case unfolds, Moonies Bar & Nightclub stands firm in its position that it followed all legal guidelines regarding alcohol service, while the university community grapples with the larger implications of the allegations and institutional accountability.